Methods and systems for obtaining an electrical impedivity and/or resistivity image of a subterranean formation

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for obtaining an electrical impedivity and/or resistivity image of a subterranean formation are provided. The electrical impedivity and/or resistivity image can be obtained by determining first formation impedivity data and second formation impedivity data. The first formation impedivity data can be based on a component of the measured impedance data orthogonal a downhole fluid impedance. The second formation impedivity data can be based on an amplitude of the measured impedance data. A combined formation impedivity data can be obtained by combining a portion of the first formation impedivity data based on a first formation impedivity determination process with a portion of the second formation impedivity data based on a second formation impedivity determination process. The electrical impedivity and/or resistivity image of the subterranean formation can then be obtained by using the combined formation impedivity data.

BACKGROUND

For oilfield and hydrocarbon exploration it can be particularly useful to have a tool that is capable of scanning a subterranean formation and to convey data representing the various strata and hydrocarbons that constitute a subterranean formation. Specifically, after drilling a borehole down into the subterranean formation, it can be useful to have downhole tools that are capable of being run along the borehole wall and scanning the surrounding formation to provide an image of the formation's properties to a user on the surface. Equally, it can be useful to have such a tool mounting on or close to a drill tip so that the formation can be imaged as the drill penetrates into the subterranean formation. This can enable a user to measure and/or image various formation parameters close to or ahead of the drill bit and from there get the latest information about the downhole formation, which might impact on the direction being drilled.

SUMMARY

This disclosure is directed to methods and systems for obtaining an electrical impedivity and/or resistivity image of a subterranean formation.

In particular, embodiments are provided herein for obtaining a single electrical impedivity and/or resistivity image for subterranean formation resistivities between, for example, ˜0.2 Ωm to ˜10,000 Ωm based on a composite of two or more images that: a) varies monotonically with formation resistivity ρ_(f); b) suppresses rugosity effects; and c) can be computed with minimal user input and within a short period of time (e.g., within one hour from taking measurements in the borehole).

In one embodiment, method for obtaining a composite image of a subterranean formation is provided. The method includes measuring impedance data within a subterranean formation. The method also includes determining first formation impedivity data by performing a first formation impedivity determination process. Also, the method includes, determining second formation impedivity data by performing a second formation impedivity determination process. Further, the method includes combining a portion of the first formation impedivity data with a portion of the second formation impedivity data to determine combined formation impedivity data. Moreover, the method includes generating the composite image using the combined formation impedivity data.

In another embodiment, a system for obtaining a composite image of a subterranean formation is provided. The system includes a tool for investigating a subterranean formation, a measurement unit disposed on the tool, and a processor connected to the measurement unit. The measurement unit is adapted to measure impedance data from the subterranean formation. The processor includes components adapted to: perform a first formation impedivity determination process to determine first formation impedivity data; perform a second formation impedivity determination process to determine second formation impedivity data; combine a portion of the first formation impedivity data with a portion of the second formation impedivity data to determine combined formation impedivity data; and generate the composite image of the subterranean formation using the combined formation impedivity data.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for obtaining a composite image of a subterranean formation.

FIG. 2A is a side view of a measurement unit for measuring impedance data of a subterranean formation.

FIG. 2B is a front view of a measurement unit for measuring impedance data of a subterranean formation.

FIG. 3 is a chart illustrating the orthogonal component of a button impedance.

FIG. 4 is a chart illustrating the amplitude of a button impedance.

FIG. 5 is a chart illustrating first impedivity data and second impedivity data obtained at different frequencies and at different standoff distances.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the processor shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for obtaining a composite image of a subterranean formation.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for determining first impedivity data using a first formation impedivity determination process.

FIG. 9 is an image generated based on the first impedivity data.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for determining second impedivity data using a second formation impedivity determination process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for determining a downhole fluid correction using a correlation process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for determining a downhole fluid correction using an inversion process.

FIG. 13 is an example of a composite image generated based on the first impedivity data and the second impedivity data.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments provided herein are directed to methods and systems for obtaining an electrical impedivity and/or resistivity image of a subterranean formation.

Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, units, systems, methods, and other components may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known units, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed, but could have additional operations not included in a figure. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc.

The embodiments provided herein include methods and systems for obtaining an electrical impedivity and/or resistivity image of a subterranean formation. In particular, embodiments are provided herein obtaining a single electrical impedivity and/or resistivity image for subterranean formation resistivities between about 0.2 Ωm to about 10,000 Ωm based on a composite of two or more images that: a) varies monotonically with formation resistivity ρ_(f); b) suppresses rugosity effects; and c) can be computed with minimal user input and within a short period of time (e.g., within one hour from taking measurements in the borehole).

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system 100 for obtaining a composite image (e.g., an electrical impedivity and/or resistivity image) of a subterranean formation. The system 100 includes a tool 110 which is suspended via a cable 112 in a borehole 114 which traverses a subterranean formation 115. The cable 112 is wound about a winch 117 or a suitable suspension unit located at the surface of the earth formation, and may be utilized, if desired, to carry information which is sent by the tool 110 to a processor 120. The tool 110 is shown with pads 122 a, 122 b, each of which may include one or more measurement units (not shown) for measuring impedance data. In other embodiments, the tool 110 may include a single pad or more than two pads. Information is gathered by the tool 110 by use of one or more electrodes located on the pads 122 a, 122 b. The gathered information may be preprocessed downhole by a processing unit (not shown) associated with the tool 110 and may be sent via the cable 112, or via wireless mechanisms for additional uphole processing. The uphole processing may be located in the vicinity of the subterranean formation 115 or at another site as desired. In some embodiments, raw data may be sent uphole.

In some embodiments, the tool 100 is a Measurement-While-Drilling/Logging-While-Drilling (LWD) tool. However, it will be appreciated that other downhole tools such as a wireline tool, coiled tubing tool, testing tool, production tool and the like may also be used with the methods and systems described herein.

FIG. 2A is a side view of a measurement unit 200 that may be located on a tool, such as the tool 110 shown in FIG. 1. The measurement unit 200 can include a pad 210 having an array of button electrodes 220 and two return electrodes 230. FIG. 2B is a front view of the pad 210 showing the array of button electrodes 220. The pad 210 in FIG. 2B can include 16 button electrodes 220. In other embodiments, the number of button electrodes 220 can vary, for example, between 10 and 40.

In one embodiment, a voltage V at the frequency ω is applied between the button electrodes 220 and the return electrodes 230. The voltage V creates currents that flow along the paths 240 from the button electrodes 220 through a downhole fluid (not shown), between a face 215 of the pad 210 and a borehole wall 250, into a subterranean formation 260 and back through the borehole wall 250, through the downhole fluid and to the return electrodes 230. In some embodiments, the downhole fluid can be a non-conductive downhole fluid (e.g., oil based mud, etc.). A current I_(B) is measured at each of the button electrodes 220. As the measurement unit 200 travels through a borehole, the current I_(B) can be measured and stored for processing by a processor, such as the processor 120 shown in FIG. 1.

With the current I_(B) measurements from different positions within the borehole, an impedance Z_(B)(ω) may be calculated using the equation: Z _(B)(ω)=V/I _(B) where Z_(B)(ω) is the complex impedance seen by the button electrodes 220, which may be measured in terms of its amplitude |Z_(B)| and phase φ_(B), or equivalently, its real and imaginary parts,

The impedance Z_(B)(ω) can be approximated by the equation (1): Z _(B)(ω)=Z _(F)(ω)+Z _(M)(ω) where Z_(M)(ω) is the complex impedance of the part of the current path in the downhole fluid and Z_(F)(ω) is the complex impedance of the part of the current path in the subterranean formation.

Further, approximations can be made that to obtain the following equations: Z _(F)(ω)=k _(F)ζ_(F)(ω) Z _(M)(ω)=Sk _(M)ζ_(M)(ω) where k_(M), k_(F) are geometric factors for the downhole fluid and subterranean formation terms, respectively and are constant real values. The geometric factors k_(M), k_(F) can be obtained, for example, by laboratory measurements made on a physical example of the measurement unit, or by using a mathematical modelling process. Also, ζ_(F) is the frequency dependant complex impedivity of the subterranean formation, ζ_(M) is the frequency dependant complex impedivity of the downhole fluid, and S is the standoff (e.g., the thickness of the downhole fluid between a face of the measurement unit and borehole wall). By determining the ζ_(F) (ω) at different frequencies, electrical impedivity and/or resistivity images of a subterranean formation can be obtained.

By definition, the impedivity ζ of a material can be related to its resistivity ρ, its relative permittivity ε and its frequency ω(=2πf) by the equation: ζ(ω)=1/(ρ⁻¹ +jεε _(o)ω)=ρ/(1+jρεε _(o)ω) where ε_(o) is the permittivity of free space. Accordingly:

when the resistivity is low (such that ζεε_(o)ω<<1, e.g., when the resistivity <˜50 Ωm at a frequency of ˜5 MHz, or when the resistivity <˜5 ωm at a frequency of about ˜50 MHz) |ζ|→ρ

when the resistivity is high (such that ρεε_(o)ω>>1, e.g., when the resistivity >˜1000 Ωm at a frequency of ˜5 MHz, or when the resistivity >˜100 Ωm at a frequency of ˜50 MHz), |ζ|→1/εε_(o)ω.

Also, at high resistivities (such that ρεε_(o)ω>>1, e.g., when the resistivity >˜1000 Ωm at a frequency of ˜5 MHz, or when the resistivity >˜100 Ωm at a frequency of ˜50 MHz), the impedivity can be much lower than the resistivity. For example, the impedivity of a subterranean formation with a resistivity of ˜10,000 Ωm can be ˜1000 Ωm at a frequency of ˜5 MHz, and can be ˜100 Ωm at a frequency of ˜50 MHZ.

Since non-conductive downhole fluid can effectively operate as an insulator (ρεε_(o)ω>>1), an effective way to decrease ζ_(M) can be to increase the frequency. In particular, the frequency can be increased in order to avoid |Z_(F)|/|Z_(M)|<<1.

However, sensitivity to the formation resistivity can be lost at high resistivities if the frequency is too high. Accordingly, loss of sensitivity to the formation resistivity can be avoided if is |ζ_(F)|/ρ_(F)<<1.

As resistivities of a subterranean formation can vary in a range of ˜0.2 Ωm to ˜10,000 Ωm, it can be difficult to find a single frequency that is suitable for subterranean formation resistivities and still satisfy |ζ_(F)|/ρ_(F)<<1 and |Z_(F)|/|Z_(M)|<<1. Thus, by combining ζ_(F) data obtained at different frequencies an accurate electrical impedivity and/or resistivity image of a subterranean formation can be obtained for a range of resistivities from ˜0.2 Ωm to ˜10,000 Ωm.

At low formation resistivities (e.g., when the resistivity <˜50 Ωm at a frequency of ˜5 MHz, or when the resistivity <˜5 Ωm at a frequency of ˜50 MHz), when |Z_(F)|˜ρ_(F), an accurate ρ_(F)(e.g., at least within ±20%) can be obtained if |Z_(F)|/|Z_(M)|> 1/10. Likewise, at high formation resistivities (e.g., e.g., when the resistivity >˜1,000 Ωm at a frequency of ˜5 MHz, or when the resistivity >˜100 Ωm at a frequency of ˜50 MHz), when |ζ_(F)|˜|Z_(B)|/k_(F), an accurate ρ_(F) (e.g., at least within ±20%) can be obtained when |ζ_(F)|/ρ_(F)> 1/10.

The subterranean formation impedance Z_(F)(ω) may be calculated by removing or reducing the effect of the impedance Z_(M)(ω) associated with the downhole fluid from the above equation (1). As discussed in more detail below, there are several methods for removing the effect of the impedance Z_(M)(ω) associated with the downhole fluid at different resistivities.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show Z_(M) and Z_(F) and Z_(B) in the complex plane. FIG. 3 is a chart showing Z_(M) and Z_(F) and Z_(B) at low formation resistivities. It has been found, at low resistivities, Z_(M)˜Z_(F). As shown in FIG. 3, an orthogonal component of Z_(B) (also referred to herein as “Z₉₀”), which is the component of Z_(B) that is at 90° to Z_(M), remains unchanged as Z_(M) varies. In fact, FIG. 3 shows that Z₉₀, is related to Z_(F) by: Z ₉₀ =|Z _(F)| sin(φ_(F)−φ_(M))

where the (φ)'s are defined by tan φ=−1/(εε₀ωρ). As non-conductive based downhole fluid can be considered as a pure insulator, φ_(M) can be close to −90° (e.g., −80°). Thus, when formation resistivity is low, the formation can be close to a pure resistance and |φ_(F)| can be small (e.g., |φ_(F)|<20°). So, at low formation resistivities, Z₉₀ can be close to |Z_(F)| and images of Z₉₀ can provide accurate images of formation impedivity.

The orthogonal component Z₉₀ can be computed directly as: Z ₉₀ =|Z _(B)| sin(φ_(B)−φ_(M)) where |Z_(B)| and φ_(B) are measured and φ_(M) can be obtained using methods known in the art such as by measuring φ_(M) by a ‘downhole button’ on a tool, such as the tool 100 shown in FIG. 1, or by estimating φ_(M) from the Z_(B) measurements themselves.

FIG. 4 is a chart showing Z_(M) and Z_(F) and Z_(B) at high formation resistivities. As shown, at sufficiently high resistivities or sufficiently low standoff, Z_(M)<<Z_(F). As long as Z_(M)<<Z_(F), an amplitude of Z_(B) (|Z_(B)|) can approach the amplitude of Z_(F) (|Z_(F)|). In such cases, images of |Z_(B)| can provide an accurate image of formation impedivity.

FIG. 5 is a chart illustrating |Z_(B)|/k_(F) curves and Z₉₀/k_(F) curves against |ζ_(F)| at different standoff distances S₁, S₂ and S₃ (where S₁ is larger than S₂ and S₃ and S₂ is larger than S₃). It is noted that FIG. 5 can be computed for a specific subterranean formation model and downhole fluid properties. Details, such as the |ζ_(F)| values where the Z₉₀/k_(F) curves begin to decrease as the |ζ_(F)| values increase, can be different from borehole to borehole as subterranean formation and downhole fluid properties change.

In particular, FIG. 5 includes |Z_(B)|/k_(F) curves 510 a-c at a low frequency (e.g., below ˜1 MHz) and at standoff distances S₁, S₂ and S₃, respectively. FIG. 5 also includes |Z_(B)|/k_(F) curves 520 a-c at a high frequency (e.g., above ˜1 MHz, and in some embodiments above ˜50 MHz) and at standoff distances S₁, S₂ and S₃. Similarly, FIG. 5 includes Z₉₀/k_(F) curves 530 a-c at the low frequency and at standoff distances S₁, S₂ and S₃, respectively, and Z₉₀/k_(F) curves 540 a-c at the high frequency and at standoff distances S₁, S₂ and S₃. In one embodiment, the standoff distance S₁ can be, for example, ˜5 mm, the standoff distance S₂ can be, for example, ˜3 mm and the standoff distance S₃ can be, for example, ˜1 mm.

As shown in FIG. 5, the Z₉₀/k_(F) curves 530 a-c and 540 a-c can give |ζ_(F)| at low |ζ_(F)| values (e.g., below ˜10 Ωm), where |ζ_(F)| is effectively ρ_(F). Standoff can have a very weak influence on these curves as the curves 530 a-c and 540 a-c are very close to each other. Also, the |Z_(B)|/k_(F) curves 510 a-c and 520 a-c can give |ζ_(F)| at high |ζ_(F)| values (e.g., above ˜100 Ωm).

Further, the high frequency Z₉₀/k_(F) curves 540 a-c can provide ζ_(F) values closer to ρ_(F) and with less influence of standoff, for ζ_(F) values up to ˜T₁. The low frequency Z₉₀/k_(F) curves 530 a-c can provide ζ_(F) values closer to ρ_(F) for ζ_(F) values from ˜T₁ to ˜T₂. Also, both sets of Z₉₀/k_(F) curves 530 a-c and 540 a-c can ‘turn over’ after reaching a maximum and decrease to negative values (not shown). Thus, the Z₉₀/k_(F) curves 530 a-c and 540 a-c can be combined to provide an accurate (e.g., within 20%) ρ_(F) measurement of ζ_(F) values up to ˜T₂.

The effect of standoff can be seen on the |Z_(B)|/k_(F) curves 510 a-c and 520 a-c in that as |ζ_(F)| values decrease, the curves 510 a-c and 520 a-c quickly diverge from a |Z_(B)|/k_(F)=|ζ_(F)| trend line 550. The higher the standoff, the earlier the divergence can take place. At low |ζ_(F)| values (e.g., below ˜10 Ωm), the |Z_(B)|/k_(F) curves 510 a-c and 520 a-c can asymptote to the values proportional to standoff. These asymptotic values can correspond to Z_(M)|/k_(F) (also referred to herein as “the downhole fluid correction term”) at the standoffs. Accordingly, if the asymptotic values are subtracted from the curves 510 a-c and 520 a-c, the resulting curves can converge on the |Z_(B)|/|ζ_(F)| trend line 550. In particular, the |Z_(B)|/k_(F) curves 510 a-c and 520 a-c, when corrected by subtracting out the downhole fluid correction term Z_(M)|/k_(F), can provide an accurate measurement (e.g., within 20%) of |ζ_(F)| for ζ_(F) values beyond ˜T₂ up to, e.g., ˜10,000 Ωm. As discussed in more detail below, the downhole fluid correction term |Z_(M)|/k_(F), can be calculated using a correlation process and/or an inversion process. Thus, the corrected |Z_(B)|/k_(F) curves 510 a-c and 520 a-c, when corrected by subtracting out the downhole fluid correction term |Z_(M)|/k_(F), in combination with the Z₉₀/k_(F) curves 530 a-c and 540 a-c, can provide an accurate measurement (e.g., within 20%) of |ζ_(F)| for an entire range of resistivities in the subterranean formation (e.g., between ˜0.2 Ωm and ˜10,000 Ωm).

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a processor unit 600 for obtaining a composite image of a subterranean formation. In some embodiments, the processor unit 600 may be associated with the tool disposed in the borehole, such as the tool 110 shown in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, the processor unit 600 may be associated with an above ground processor, such as the processor 120 shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the processor unit 600 can be a single computer processor and in other embodiments the processor unit 600 can be made up of two or more computer processors.

The processor unit 600 can include a plurality of components including a phase angle determination component 605, an amplitude determination component 610, a first formation impedivity determination component 615, a second formation impedivity determination component 620, a first formation impedivity combination component 625, a combined impedivity determination component 630, an image generation component 635, a correlation coefficient calculation component 640, and/or a downhole fluid correction determination component 645.

The phase angle determination component 605 can be configured to determine a phase angle of the measured impedance data Z_(B). The amplitude determination component 610 can be configured to determine an amplitude of the measured impedance data Z_(B).

The first formation impedivity component 615 can be configured to perform a first formation impedivity determination process to determine first formation impedivity data at multiple frequencies based on a component of the measured impedance data Z_(B) orthogonal to downhole fluid impedance data Z_(M).

The second formation impedivity component 620 can be configured to perform a second formation impedivity determination process to determine second formation impedivity data ζ_(F2) at multiple frequencies based on an amplitude of the measured impedance data Z_(B).

The first formation impedivity combination component 625 can be configured to combine first formation impedivity data obtained at two or more frequencies to obtain the first formation impedivity data ζ_(F1). For example, in one embodiment first formation impedivity data obtained at a first frequency can be combined with first formation impedivity data obtained at a second frequency to generate the first formation impedivity data ζ_(F1).

The combined impedivity determination component 630 can be configured to combine first formation impedivity data ζ_(F1) determined by the first formation impedivity combination component 625 with second formation impedivity data ζ_(F2) determined by the second formation impedivity determination component 620 to generate composite formation impedivity data ζ_(C).

The image generating component 635 can be configured to generate an electrical impedivity and/or resistivity image of a subterranean formation at different frequencies using composite formation impedivity data ζ_(C) determined by the combined impedivity determination component 630.

The correlation coefficient calculation component 640 can be configured to determine a correlation coefficient between first formation impedivity data ζ_(F1) determined by the first formation impedivity determination component 615 and an amplitude of the measured impedance data Z_(B) determined by the amplitude determination component 610.

The downhole fluid correction determination component 645 can be configured to determine a downhole fluid correction value used to correct for downhole fluid formation impedivity data ζ_(M) when determining second formation impedivity data ζ_(F2) using the second formation impedivity determination component 620. The downhole fluid correction determination component 645 may use a correlation process and/or an inversion process to determine the downhole fluid correction.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart 700 for obtaining a composite image of a subterranean formation. The flowchart 700 begins at 710 where a measurement unit in a borehole of a subterranean formation, such as the measurement unit 200 shown in FIG. 2, measures impedance data Z_(B) seen by a button electrode of the measurement unit when a voltage V is applied between a button electrode and return electrodes of the measurement unit. The measurement unit can measure impedance data Z_(B) when a voltage V is applied between the injector assembly and the return electrodes at two or more frequencies.

As discussed in more detail below, the frequency of the voltage V can be modified to obtain formation impedivity data ζ_(F) at different resistivity ranges. In one embodiment, a first frequency ω₁ can be used to provide impedivity data ζ_(F) of a subterranean formation in a range, for example, between ˜0.2 Ωm and ˜Ωm and a second frequency ω₂ can be used to provide impedivity data ζ_(F) of a subterranean formation in a range, for example, between ˜10 Ωm and ˜1,000 Ωm (an impedivity of ˜1,000 Ωm can correspond to a resistivity of ˜10,000 Ωm for a subterranean formation at a frequency of ˜5 MHz). In some embodiments, three or more frequencies can be used to obtain accurate formation impedivity data ζ_(F) at three or more different resistivity ranges.

At 720, one or more components of a processor, such as the processor 120 shown in FIG. 1, can determine a phase angle of the downhole impedance φ_(M) at two or more frequencies. As discussed above, the phase angle of the downhole impedance φ_(M) can be used to determine a component of the measured impedance data that is orthogonal to the downhole fluid impedance. The flowchart 700 then proceeds to 730.

At 730, one or more components of a processor, such as the processor 120 shown in FIG. 1, can determine first formation impedivity data by performing a first formation impedivity determination process. The first formation impedivity data is based on a component of the measured impedance data Z_(B) orthogonal to downhole fluid impedance data Z_(M) obtained at multiple frequencies using orthogonal processing. Methods and tools for determining describing orthogonal processing are described in EP Publication No. 2182391, titled “A TOOL FOR MEASURING A DOWNHOLE ENVIRONMENT”. In some embodiments, the first formation impedivity determination component 615 shown in FIG. 6 can be used to determine first formation impedivity data ζ_(F1) based on a component of the measured impedance data Z_(B) orthogonal to downhole fluid impedance data Z_(M). One embodiment of the first formation impedivity determination process is discussed below with respect to FIG. 8.

At 740, one or more components of a processor, such as the processor 120 shown in FIG. 1, can determine second formation impedivity data ζ_(F2) by performing a second formation impedivity determination process. The second formation impedivity data is based on an amplitude of the measured impedance data Z_(B). In some embodiments, the second formation impedivity determination component 620 shown in FIG. 6, can be used to determine second formation impedivity data ζ_(F2) based on a component of the measured impedance data Z_(B) amplitude of the measured impedance data Z_(B). On embodiment of the second formation impedivity determination process is discussed below with respect to FIG. 10.

At 750, one or more components of a processor, such as the processor 120 shown in FIG. 1, can combine a portion of the first formation impedivity data ζ_(F1) of a composite impedivity and/or resistivity image with a portion of the second formation impedivity data ζ_(F2) to determine combined formation impedivity data ζ_(FC). The combined formation impedivity data ζ_(FC) can be obtained by using the second formation impedivity data ζ_(F2) at subterranean formation resistivity values where the second formation impedivity data ζ_(F2) is greater than the first formation impedivity data ζ_(F1) and the second formation impedivity data ζ_(F2) is greater than a first threshold. In some embodiments, the combined impedivity determination component 630 shown in FIG. 6 can be used to determine the combined formation impedivity data ζ_(FC).

The first threshold can be determined, for example, based on a predetermined modeled response that is based on field test data and based on factors such as, for example, the specifications of the tool, the amount of noise picked up by the measurement unit, etc. As discussed above with respect to FIG. 5, orthogonal data (Z₉₀/k_(F)) at a lower frequency (e.g., ˜1 MHz), can provide values closer to ρ_(F) for ζ_(F) values from ˜T₁ to ˜T₂. However, at some point beyond T₂, the orthogonal data (Z₉₀/k_(F)) at the lower frequency can become less accurate (e.g., less than 20% accuracy), while the amplitude data (|Z_(B)|/k_(F)) can provide an accurate impedivity measurement (e.g. within 20% accuracy) beyond T₂ up to, for example, ˜1,000 Ωm, which can correspond to a resistivity of ˜10,000 Ωm at a frequency of ˜5 MHz. Thus, a first threshold can be determined within a range of values where both the orthogonal data (Z₉₀/k_(F)) at the lower frequency and the amplitude data (|Z_(B)|/k_(F)) can provide an accurate measurement (e.g., within 20% accuracy). Also, the first threshold can be selected within a range of subterranean formation resistivity values so that the first threshold can apply for a wide range of subterranean formations. In one embodiment, the first threshold can be, for example, set to a value somewhere between ˜80 Ωm and ˜100 Ωm.

At 760, one or more components of a processor, such as the processor 120 shown in FIG. 1, can generate the composite image of the subterranean formation using the combined formation impedivity data ζ_(FC) obtained at 750. FIG. 13 shows an image 1310 generated using the first impedivity data at the second frequency ω₂, an image 1320 generated using the second formation impedivity data at the second frequency ω₂ and a composite impedivity and/or resistivity image 1330 combining the first formation impedivity data and second formation impedivity data along different positions within a borehole of a subterranean formation.

FIG. 8 provides one embodiment of a first formation impedivity determination process 800. The process 800 can determine the first formation impedivity data ζ_(F1) when impedance data measurements are measured at two frequencies (ω₁ and ω₂) using a first formation impedivity determination component and a first formation impedivity combination component, such as the first formation impedivity determination component 615 and the first formation impedivity combination component 625 shown in FIG. 6.

At 810, the first formation impedivity determination component can determine first orthogonal data (Z₉₀/k_(F) at ω₁). The first orthogonal data can be determined by determining a component (Z₉₀) of the measured impedance data Z_(B) orthogonal to downhole fluid impedance data Z_(M) obtained at a first frequency ω₁ and dividing this value by the geometric factor k_(F) for the frequency ω₁. The geometric factor k_(F) at different frequencies can be determined as described above.

At 820, the first formation impedivity determination component can determine second orthogonal data (Z₉₀/k_(F) at ω₂). The second orthogonal data can be determined by determining a component (Z₉₀) of the measured impedance data Z_(B) orthogonal to downhole fluid impedance data Z_(M) obtained at a second frequency (ω₂ and dividing this value by the geometric factor k_(F) for the frequency ω₂. The flowchart 800 then proceeds to 830.

At 830, the first formation impedivity combination component can combine a portion of the first orthogonal data with a portion of the second orthogonal data to obtain first formation impedivity data ζ_(F1). The first formation impedivity data ζ_(F1) can be obtained by using the second orthogonal data at subterranean formation resistivity values where the second orthogonal data is greater than the first orthogonal data and the second orthogonal data is greater than a second threshold.

The second threshold can be determined, for example, based on a predetermined modeled response that is based on field test data and based on factors such as, for example, the specifications of the tool, the amount of noise picked up by the measurement unit, etc. As discussed above with respect to FIG. 5, orthogonal data (Z₉₀/k_(F)) at a higher frequency (e.g., ˜50 MHz), can provide values closer to ρ_(F) with less influence on the standoff between the tool and the borehole wall, for ζ_(F) values up to ˜T₁. Orthogonal data (Z₉₀/k_(F)) at a lower frequency (e.g., ˜5 MHz), can provide values closer to ρ_(F) for ζ_(F) values from ˜T₁ to ˜T₂. Thus, two frequencies (ω₁ and ω₂) can be selected such that the orthogonal data at the two frequencies can overlap over a range of subterranean formation resistivity values, for example between ˜2 Ωm and ˜10 Ωm, and allow for the second threshold, determined e.g., based on field test data, to be chosen that can apply for a wide range of subterranean formations. In one embodiment, the second threshold can be, for example, set to a value somewhere between ˜5 Ωm and ˜10 Ωm.

FIG. 9 shows an image 910 generated using the first orthogonal data, an image 920 generated using the second orthogonal data and an image 930 generated using a composite of the first orthogonal data and the second orthogonal data along different positions within a borehole of a subterranean formation.

FIG. 10 provides one embodiment of a second formation impedivity determination process 1000. The process 1000 can determine the second formation impedivity data ζ_(F2) using a second formation impedivity determination component and a downhole fluid correction determination unit, such as the second formation impedivity determination component 620 and the downhole fluid correction determination unit 645 shown in FIG. 6.

At 1010, the second formation impedivity determination component can determine an amplitude of the measured impedance data |Z_(B)|. In some embodiments, the second formation impedivity determination component can use the impedance data measured at the second frequency ω₂ and not the impedance data measured at the first frequency ω₁ to obtain the amplitude of the measured impedance data |Z_(B)|. In other embodiments, the second formation impedivity determination component can use both the impedance data measured at the first frequency ω₁ and the impedance data measured at the second frequency ω₂ to obtain the amplitude of the measured impedance data |Z_(B)|. The flowchart 1000 then proceeds to 1020.

At 1020, the downhole fluid correction determination unit can determine a downhole fluid correction value |Z_(M)|/k_(F). The downhole fluid correction value can be an approximation of the amplitude of the downhole fluid impedance Z_(M) and can be determined using a correlation process, as discussed below with respect to FIG. 11, or using an inversion process, as discussed below with respect to FIG. 12. Once the downhole fluid correction value is determined, the flowchart 1000 proceeds to 1030.

At 1030, the second formation impedivity determination component can subtract the downhole fluid correction value obtained at 1020 from the amplitude of the measured impedance data |ZB| obtained at 1010 to obtain formation impedance data Z_(F). The flowchart 1000 then proceeds to 1040.

At 1040, the formation impedance data determined at 1030 can be divided by the geometric factor k_(F) to obtain second formation impedivity data ζ_(F2). As discussed above, the geometric factor k_(F) can be estimated using a variety of methods that are known to those skilled in the art.

FIG. 11 provides a flowchart 1100 for determining a downhole fluid correction value using a first formation impedivity determination component, a correlation coefficient calculation component and a downhole fluid correction determination component, such as the first formation impedivity determination component 615, the correlation coefficient calculation component 640 and the downhole fluid correction determination component 645 shown in FIG. 6.

At 1110, the first formation impedivity determination component can determine first orthogonal data (Z₉₀/k_(F) at ω₁). The first orthogonal data can be determined by determining a component (Z₉₀) of the measured impedance data Z_(B) orthogonal to downhole fluid impedance data Z_(M) obtained at a first frequency ω₁ and dividing this value by the geometric factor k_(F) for the frequency ω₁.

At 1120, the correlation coefficient calculation component can determine a correlation coefficient r₁ between the first orthogonal data determined at 1110 and an amplitude of the measured impedance data |Z_(B)| in a short depth interval (e.g., <˜1 m). The correlation coefficient r₁ can be, for example, a Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient that can range from −1 to +1.

At 1130, when the correlation coefficient r₁ determined at 1120 is above a third threshold, the downhole fluid correction determination component can obtain the downhole fluid correction value by subtracting the measured impedance data from the formation impedance data obtained at 1130 and obtaining an amplitude of the result. In one embodiment, the third threshold can be, for example, a value between ˜0.5 and ˜0.7.

FIG. 12 provides a flowchart 1200 for determining a downhole fluid correction value using a first formation impedivity determination component and a downhole fluid correction determination component, such as the first formation impedivity determination component 615 and the downhole fluid correction determination component 646 shown in FIG. 6.

At 1210, the first formation impedivity determination component can determine first orthogonal data (Z₉₀/k_(F) at ω₁). The first orthogonal data can be determined by determining a component (Z₉₀) of the measured impedance data Z_(B) orthogonal to downhole fluid impedance data Z_(M) obtained at a first frequency ω₁ and dividing this value by the geometric factor k_(F) for the frequency ω₁.

At 1220, the first formation impedivity determination component can determine second orthogonal data (Z₉₀/k_(F) at ω₂). The second orthogonal data can be determined by determining a component (Z₉₀) of the measured impedance data Z_(B) orthogonal to downhole fluid impedance data Z_(M) obtained at a second frequency ω₂ and dividing this value by the geometric factor k_(F) for the frequency ω₂.

At 1230, the downhole fluid correction determination component can determine an approximate formation impedivity from the first orthogonal data determined at 1210 and the second orthogonal data determined at 1220 using a data inversion process based on a mathematical model created using field test data. In particular, the downhole fluid correction determination component can fit the first orthogonal data and the second orthogonal data to a predetermined modeled tool response using a data inversion process.

At 1240, the downhole fluid correction determination component can determine an approximate downhole fluid impedance amplitude by subtracting the measured impedance data from the inverted formation impedivity obtained at 1230 divided by the geometric factor k_(F). In some embodiments, to suppress the effects of factors such as noise that can impact the accuracy of determining the downhole fluid impedance amplitude, the downhole fluid correction determination component can determine an average downhole fluid impedance amplitude by applying a moving average or low-pass filter to the approximate downhole fluid impedance amplitude over a range of subterranean formation resistivity values.

The embodiments discussed above are directed to obtaining first formation impedivity data ζ_(F1) and second formation impedivity data ζ_(F2) using two frequencies. In some embodiments, impedance data Z_(B) measured at three or more frequencies (where ω₁>ω₂>ω₃) can be used.

In these embodiments, first formation impedivity data ζ_(F1) can be obtained by determining first orthogonal data (Z₉₀/k_(F) at ω₁), second orthogonal data (Z₉₀/k_(F) at ω₂) and third orthogonal data (Z₉₀/k_(F) at ω₃), similar to 810 and 820 of FIG. 8. The first orthogonal data can then be combined with the second orthogonal data to obtain a first composite orthogonal data, similar to 830 of FIG. 8. The first composite orthogonal data can then combined with the third orthogonal data to obtain first formation impedivity data ζ_(F1), similar to 840 in FIG. 8.

The second formation impedivity data ζ_(F2) can be determined by using the impedance data measured at the lowest frequency ω₃ to obtain the amplitude of the measured impedance data |Z_(B)|. In some embodiments, the impedance data measured at the first frequency ω₁ and the impedance data measured at the second frequency ω₂ can also be used to obtain the amplitude of the measured impedance data |Z_(B)|.

Similarly, this methodology can be extended when impedance data is measured at four or more frequencies as well.

Aspects:

It is noted that any of aspects 1-8 below can be combined with any of aspects 9-16.

1. A method for obtaining a composite image of a subterranean formation, the method comprising:

measuring impedance data within a subterranean formation;

determining first formation impedivity data by performing a first formation impedivity determination process;

determining second formation impedivity data by performing a second formation impedivity determination process;

combining a portion of the first formation impedivity data with a portion of the second formation impedivity data to determine combined formation impedivity data; and

generating the composite image using the combined formation impedivity data.

2. The method of aspect 1, further comprising:

determining combined formation impedivity data by using the second formation impedivity data at subterranean formation resistivity values where the second formation impedivity data is greater than the first formation impedivity data and is greater than a first threshold.

3. The method of any of aspects 1-2, wherein the second formation impedivity data is based on an amplitude of the measured impedance data, and the second formation impedivity determination process includes:

determining an amplitude of the measured impedance data;

determining a downhole fluid correction value; and

subtracting the downhole fluid correction value from the amplitude of the measured impedance data.

4. The method of any of aspects 1-3, wherein measuring the impedance data includes measuring the impedance data at a first frequency and measuring the impedance data at a second frequency that is lower than the first frequency; and

wherein the first formation impedivity data is based on a component of the measured impedance data orthogonal a downhole fluid impedance and the first formation impedivity determination process includes:

-   -   determining first orthogonal data based on an orthogonal         component of the impedance data measured at the first frequency,     -   determining second orthogonal data based on an orthogonal         component of the impedance data measured at the second         frequency, and     -   combining the first orthogonal data with the second orthogonal         data by using the second orthogonal data at subterranean         formation resistivity values where the second orthogonal data is         greater than the first orthogonal data and is greater than a         second threshold.         5. The method of aspect 3, wherein measuring the impedance data         includes measuring the impedance data at a first frequency and         measuring the impedance data at a second frequency that is lower         than the first frequency; and

wherein determining the amplitude of the measured impedance data includes using an amplitude of the impedance data measured at the second frequency.

6. The method of aspect 3, wherein the downhole fluid correction value is determined using a correlation process that includes:

-   -   determining orthogonal data based on an orthogonal component of         the measured impedance data,     -   determining an amplitude of the measured impedance data,     -   determining a correlation coefficient between the orthogonal         data and the amplitude, and     -   subtracting the orthogonal data from the amplitude when the         correlation coefficient is greater than a third threshold to         obtain the downhole fluid correction value.         7. The method of aspect 3, wherein measuring the impedance data         includes measuring the impedance data at a first frequency and         at a second frequency that is lower than the first frequency;         and

wherein the downhole fluid correction value is obtained using an inversion process that includes:

-   -   determining first orthogonal data using the impedance data         measured at the first frequency,     -   determining second orthogonal data using the impedance data         measured at the second frequency,     -   determining an amplitude of the impedance data measured at the         second frequency,     -   inverting the first orthogonal data and the second orthogonal         data to obtain inverted formation impedivity data, and     -   subtracting the inverted formation impedivity data from the         amplitude of the impedance data measured at the second frequency         to obtain the downhole fluid correction value.         8. The method of any of aspects 1-3 and 5-7, wherein measuring         the impedance data includes measuring the impedance data at a         first frequency, measuring the impedance data at a second         frequency that is lower than the first frequency, and measuring         the impedance data at a third frequency that is lower than the         second frequency;

wherein the first formation impedivity data is based on a component of the measured impedance data orthogonal a downhole fluid impedance and the first formation impedivity determination process includes:

-   -   determining first orthogonal data based on an orthogonal         component of the impedance data measured at the first frequency,     -   determining second orthogonal data based on an orthogonal         component of the impedance data measured at the second         frequency,     -   determining third orthogonal data based on an orthogonal         component of the impedance data measured at the third frequency,     -   combining the first orthogonal data with the second orthogonal         data to obtain first composite orthogonal data, and     -   combining the first composite orthogonal data with the third         orthogonal data to obtain the first formation impedivity data;         and

wherein the second formation impedivity data is based on an amplitude of the measured impedance data, and the second formation impedivity determination process includes:

-   -   determining an amplitude of the impedance data measured at the         third frequency,     -   determining a downhole fluid correction value, and     -   subtracting the downhole fluid correction from the amplitude of         the impedance data measured at the third frequency.         9. A system for obtaining a composite image of a subterranean         formation, the system comprising:

a tool for investigating a subterranean formation;

a measurement unit disposed on the tool, the measurement unit adapted to measure impedance data from the subterranean formation; and

a processor connected to the measurement unit, the processor including one or more components adapted to:

-   -   perform a first formation impedivity determination process to         determine first formation impedivity data,     -   perform a second formation impedivity determination process to         determine second formation impedivity data,     -   combine a portion of the first formation impedivity data with a         portion of the second formation impedivity data to determine         combined formation impedivity data, and     -   generate the composite image of the subterranean formation using         the combined formation impedivity data.         10. The system of aspect 9, wherein the one or more components         of the processor are further adapted to determine combined         formation impedivity data by using the second formation         impedivity data at subterranean formation resistivity values         where the second formation impedivity data is greater than the         first formation impedivity data and is greater than a first         threshold.         11. The system of any of aspects 9-10, wherein the second         formation impedivity data is based on an amplitude of the         measured impedance data; and

wherein to perform the second formation impedivity determination process, the one or more components of the processor are further adapted to:

-   -   determine an amplitude of the measured impedance data,     -   determine a downhole fluid correction value, and     -   subtract the downhole fluid correction value from the amplitude         of the measured impedance data.         12. The system of any of aspects 9-11, the measurement unit is         further adapted to measure impedance data at a first frequency         and a second frequency that is lower than the first frequency;

wherein the first formation impedivity data is based on a component of the measured impedance data orthogonal a downhole fluid impedance; and

wherein to perform the first formation impedivity determination process, the one or more components of the processor are further adapted to:

-   -   determine first orthogonal data based on an orthogonal component         of the impedance data measured at the first frequency,     -   determine second orthogonal data based on an orthogonal         component of the impedance data measured at the second         frequency, and     -   combine the first orthogonal data with the second orthogonal         data by using the second orthogonal data at subterranean         formation resistivity values where the second orthogonal data is         greater than the first orthogonal data and is greater than a         second threshold.         13. The system of aspect 11, wherein the measurement unit is         further adapted to measure impedance data at a first frequency         and a second frequency that is lower than the first frequency;         and

wherein to perform the second formation impedivity determination process, the one or more components of the processor are further adapted to:

-   -   use an amplitude of the impedance data measured at the second         frequency to determine the amplitude of the measured impedance         data.         14. The system of aspect 11, wherein the measurement unit is         further adapted to measure impedance data at a first frequency         and a second frequency; and

wherein to determine the downhole fluid correction value the one or more components of the processor are further adapted to:

-   -   determine orthogonal data based on an orthogonal component of         the measured impedance data,     -   determine an amplitude of the measured impedance data,     -   determine a correlation coefficient between the orthogonal data         and the amplitude, and     -   subtract the orthogonal data from the amplitude when the         correlation coefficient is greater than a third threshold to         obtain the downhole fluid correction value.         15. The system of aspect 11, wherein the measurement unit is         further adapted to measure impedance data at a first frequency         and a second frequency that is lower than the first frequency;         and

wherein to determine the downhole fluid correction value the one or more components of the processor are further adapted to:

-   -   determine first orthogonal data using the impedance data         measured at the first frequency,     -   determine second orthogonal data using the impedance data         measured at the second frequency,     -   determine an amplitude of the impedance data measured at the         second frequency,     -   invert the first orthogonal data and the second orthogonal data         to obtain inverted formation impedivity data, and     -   subtract the inverted formation impedivity data from the         amplitude of the impedance data measured at the second frequency         to obtain the downhole fluid correction value.         16. The system of any of aspects 9-11 and 13-15, wherein the         measurement unit is further adapted to measure the impedance         data at a first frequency, at a second frequency that is lower         than the first frequency, and at a third frequency that is lower         than the second frequency;

wherein the first formation impedivity data is based on a component of the measured impedance data orthogonal a downhole fluid impedance and the second formation impedivity data is based on an amplitude of the measured impedance data;

wherein to perform the first formation impedivity determination process, the one or more components of the processor are further adapted to:

-   -   determine first orthogonal data based on an orthogonal component         of the impedance data measured at the first frequency,     -   determine second orthogonal data based on an orthogonal         component of the impedance data measured at the second         frequency,     -   determine third orthogonal data based on an orthogonal component         of the impedance data measured at the third frequency,     -   combine the first orthogonal data with the second orthogonal         data to obtain first composite orthogonal data, and     -   combine the first composite orthogonal data with the third         orthogonal data to obtain the first formation impedivity data;         and

wherein to perform the second formation impedivity determination process, the one or more components of the processor are further adapted to:

-   -   determine an amplitude of the impedance data measured at the         third frequency;     -   determine a downhole fluid correction value; and     -   subtract the downhole fluid correction from the amplitude of the         impedance data measured at the third frequency. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for obtaining a composite image of a subterranean formation, the method comprising: measuring impedance data within a subterranean formation; determining first formation impedivity data by performing a first formation impedivity determination process; determining second formation impedivity data by performing a second formation impedivity determination process; combining a portion of the first formation impedivity data with a portion of the second formation impedivity data to determine a combined formation impedivity data; and generating the composite image using the combined formation impedivity data; wherein measuring the impedance data includes measuring the impedance data at a first frequency, measuring the impedance data at a second frequency that is lower than the first frequency, and measuring the impedance data at a third frequency that is lower than the second frequency; wherein the first formation impedivity data is based on a component of the measured impedance data orthogonal a downhole fluid impedance and the first formation impedivity determination process includes: determining first orthogonal data based on an orthogonal component of the impedance data measured at the first frequency, determining second orthogonal data based on an orthogonal component of the impedance data measured at the second frequency, determining third orthogonal data based on an orthogonal component of the impedance data measured at the third frequency, combining the first orthogonal data with the second orthogonal data to obtain first composite orthogonal data, and combining the first composite orthogonal data with the third orthogonal data to obtain the first formation impedivity data; and wherein the second formation impedivity data is based on an amplitude of the measured impedance data, and the second formation impedivity determination process includes: determining an amplitude of the impedance data measured at the third frequency, determining a downhole fluid correction value, and subtracting the downhole fluid correction from the amplitude of the impedance data measured at the third frequency.
 2. A system for obtaining a composite image of a subterranean formation, the system comprising: a tool for investigating a subterranean formation; a measurement unit disposed on the tool, the measurement unit adapted to measure impedance data from the subterranean formation; and a processor connected to the measurement unit, the processor including one or more components adapted to: perform a first formation impedivity determination process to determine first formation impedivity data, perform a second formation impedivity determination process to determine second formation impedivity data, and combine a portion of the first formation impedivity data with a portion of the second formation impedivity data to determine combined formation impedivity data, and generate the composite image of the subterranean formation using the combined formation impedivity data; wherein the measurement unit is further adapted to measure the impedance data at a first frequency, at a second frequency that is lower than the first frequency, and at a third frequency that is lower than the second frequency; wherein the first formation impedivity data is based on a component of the measured impedance data orthogonal a downhole fluid impedance and the second formation impedivity data is based on an amplitude of the measured impedance data; wherein to perform the first formation impedivity determination process, the one or more components of the processor are further adapted to: determine first orthogonal data based on an orthogonal component of the impedance data measured at the first frequency, determine second orthogonal data based on an orthogonal component of the impedance data measured at the second frequency, determine third orthogonal data based on an orthogonal component of the impedance data measured at the third frequency, combine the first orthogonal data with the second orthogonal data to obtain first composite orthogonal data, and combine the first composite orthogonal data with the third orthogonal data to obtain the first formation impedivity data; and wherein to perform the second formation impedivity determination process, the one or more components of the processor are further adapted to: determine an amplitude of the impedance data measured at the third frequency; determine a downhole fluid correction value; and subtract the downhole fluid correction from the amplitude of the impedance data measured at the third frequency. 